What is the TikTok Game?
The TikTok game refers to the viral videos and challenges created and shared on the TikTok app and platform. TikTok allows users to create, view, and share short videos ranging from 3 to 60 seconds. Users can add special effects, filters, and music to their videos.
TikTok originated from the Chinese app Douyin, which was launched in September 2016 by the technology company ByteDance. Douyin quickly gained popularity in China and was then launched internationally as TikTok in 2017. TikTok became available to download in the US in August 2018 after merging with the popular lip-syncing app Musical.ly ([1]).
On TikTok, trends and viral challenges spread quickly, with users creating their own videos replicating or putting their own spin on the original videos. Popular TikTok challenges often involve dance routines, comedy skits, stunts, and more. The fun, entertaining, and addictive nature of the TikTok game has led to its rapid growth and popularity around the world.
How to Get Started
Getting started on TikTok is easy and only takes a few minutes. The first step is to download the TikTok app on your iOS or Android device. You can find the TikTok app in the App Store or Google Play Store. Once downloaded, open the app and tap “Sign Up” to create your account. You’ll need to enter your email address or phone number, create a password, and provide your birthday to verify you are old enough to use TikTok.
After creating your account, you can customize your profile by adding a profile photo, bio, and display name. TikTok allows you to make your profile public or private. With a public profile, anyone can view your content. A private profile means only users you approve can follow you and see your videos. The app recommends adjusting your privacy settings to control notifications, comments, messages, and more. You can customize these settings to your comfort level.
Once your account is set up, you are ready to start engaging with content, creating videos, and connecting with other users. Be sure to explore the features and customize the experience to your preferences. With the app downloaded and your account created, you have completed the first steps and can now start enjoying TikTok!
Homepage Features
TikTok’s homepage, called the “For You” page, is the main feed that displays an endless stream of short videos when you open the app. The For You page uses an algorithm to deliver personalized video recommendations based on your interactions (Hootsuite). It learns your interests as you like, share, and follow more videos and accounts.
The Following feed shows the latest videos from all the accounts you follow. This allows you to easily stay updated on new content from your favorite creators.
The Discover page features trending videos, sounds, hashtags, and effects. It’s a great place to find viral content and participate in the latest trends. You can also search for specific topics you’re interested in.
Creating Content
Creating compelling content is key to gaining followers and going viral on TikTok. When shooting videos, get creative with angles, lighting, and visuals to make high-quality videos that grab attention. Take advantage of TikTok’s extensive library of AR effects and filters to enhance your videos. Stay on top of the latest trends and challenges by exploring trending hashtags; participating in viral trends is a great way to get more views. Make sure to use relevant trending sounds and songs to increase the chances of your video getting picked up by TikTok’s algorithm. As noted in this guide, define your niche and consistently make videos tailored to that audience for the best chance of creating viral content on TikTok.
Going Viral
One of the main goals on TikTok is to create content that goes viral and gets views and shares from the community. According to Social Bee, there are specific tactics you can use to increase your chances of creating viral content on TikTok.
First, it’s important to analyze trends and sounds that are currently popular on TikTok. As Recur Post suggests, spotting trends early and creating content around trending sounds gives you an advantage. You can browse the “For You” feed or check out the trending sounds page to identify viral content opportunities.
Next, participate in popular TikTok challenges that align with your brand. Challenges allow you to put your own spin on viral content while also reaching new audiences. Come up with creative and unique ways to participate in trends and challenges to help your content stand out.
Also, engage with influencers or other large accounts in your niche. Collaboration videos and influencer marketing can help expose your content to new followers. Hashtag your content appropriately using relevant trending hashtags so it’s more discoverable in the TikTok community.
Most importantly, focus on creating high-quality content that entertains and resonates with your audience. Funny, helpful, interesting videos tailored to your audience have the best chance of going viral on TikTok.
Interacting with Others
One of the best parts of TikTok is interacting with other users. Here are some of the main ways to engage with other accounts on TikTok:
Following accounts – Following other users is the first step to seeing more of their content. You can follow friends, celebrities, creators in your niche, or accounts that post content you find entertaining or informative. Their videos will start showing up in your Following feed.
Duets and stitches – A duet allows you to create a split-screen video with another user’s video on one side and your own video reacting to it on the other side. Stitches are similar, but show the other video above or below yours. Duetting or stitching popular videos can help get your content seen.
Commenting – Leaving thoughtful and relevant comments on videos is a way to interact without making your own content. You can join in on trends and jokes or provide feedback. Commenting regularly helps build relationships.
Sharing videos – Any video can be shared to your own feed or with friends. Sharing content you love supports other creators and expands your reach as your followers see what you recommend.
Engaging actively and positively with the TikTok community leads to more views, followers, likes, and comments. Make use of all the ways TikTok facilitates connections and conversations.
Challenges
TikTok challenges have become a huge part of the platform, allowing users to show off their skills and creativity by participating in viral trends. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, some of the most popular TikTok challenge examples include:
The #InMyDenim challenge from Guess invited users to show off their denim outfits in fun and creative ways (https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-challenge-examples/).
Chipotle’s #GuacDance challenge had TikTokers come up with their own dances and routines using the ingredients for guacamole as props (https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-challenge-examples/).
Samsung’s #GalaxyA challenge asked users to show what they can do better with their Galaxy A phones through cool tricks and stunts (https://influencermarketinghub.com/tiktok-challenge-examples/).
To participate in a TikTok challenge, look out for trending hashtags associated with the challenge. Film your own creative video participating in the theme or activity of the challenge. Make sure to use the official challenge hashtag in your caption along with other relevant hashtags. Challenges are a fun way to get more eyes on your content and engage with the TikTok community!
Live Streaming
Live streaming on TikTok allows users to broadcast live video to their followers in real-time. According to the TikTok live streaming guide, going live on TikTok is easy. Simply tap the “+” button at the bottom of the app screen, then select “Live” to start broadcasting. TikTok Live includes features like virtual gifts, comment filters, and multi-guest streaming.
To begin a live stream, tap the “Go Live” button after giving the broadcast a title and setting privacy options. The streamer can invite followers to join the live video and interact through comments. Fans can send virtual gifts like flowers or emojis during the broadcast as a way to show support. TikTok also allows adding stream mods and filtering comments. According to the guide to live streaming events, the ability to go live with multiple hosts makes TikTok Live unique compared to other platforms.
Avoiding Problems
Like any social media platform, TikTok has issues with harassment, bullying, dangerous challenges, misinformation, and other problems. Here are some common problems to watch out for and how to avoid them:
Copyright claims – Using copyrighted music, video clips, or images without permission in your TikToks can lead to takedown notices and account suspensions. Stick to original content, royalty-free media, and TikTok’s licensed music library to avoid this issue (https://www.androidpolice.com/tiktok-problems-solutions/).
Harassment and bullying – TikTok has struggled with keeping harmful content off its platform. Be cautious aboutposting personal info and don’t engage with abusive commenters. Use TikTok’s privacy settings and report tools to stay safe (https://www.makeuseof.com/is-tiktok-bad/).
Dangerous challenges – Questionable challenges like the “skull breaker” or “penny” challenge have spread on TikTok. Avoid partaking in or sharing any activities that could harm you or others.
Misinformation – Videos containing false information can go viral quickly. Fact-check information and use trusted sources to avoid spreading misinformation accidentally.
Tips for Success
Some key tips for gaining a following and creating quality content on TikTok include:
Engage with trends and challenges – Participating in popular TikTok trends and challenges is a great way to get more views and exposure. Look at what’s currently trending and put your own spin on it.
Be consistent – Post new videos regularly, ideally at least once per day. This keeps your profile active and helps the TikTok algorithm recommend your content.
Use relevant hashtags – Include hashtags related to your niche and video topic. Popular hashtags help more users find and engage with your videos.
Optimize your bio – Craft an interesting, concise bio that gives viewers context on your content. Include relevant keywords that describe your niche.
Collaborate with others – Duets and stitching other users’ videos can help reach new audiences. Collaborate with influencers in your niche when possible.
Analyze your analytics – Pay attention to when your viewers are most active, your top videos, traffic sources, etc. This data can inform your content strategy.
Promote outside of TikTok – Cross-promote your TikTok content on other social platforms like Instagram and YouTube to drive more followers.
Engage with your audience – Reply to comments, do live streams, ask questions in captions. Building relationships leads to a loyal following.
Have fun! – Videos that show your personality and authenticity tend to perform best. Don’t be afraid to show your silly side.
